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Dr. Neil McKinney, B.Sc., N.D.
Naturopathic Physician in Oncology
Reg.# 032 CNPBC
MSC# 30046
GST/Business #817275878
125 – 1555 McKenzie Ave., Victoria, B.C. V8N 1A4 Ph: (250) 386-3534 Toll Free: 1-888-722-6401
Fax: (250) 386-3500 Web Site: drneilmckinney.ca E-Mail: [email protected]
ARTEMESIA IN CANCER
Artemisia vulgaris or absinthum is a traditional medicine for parasites, including malaria. Chinese doctors call it
Quinghao. It is very useful in cancer.
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wormwood herb relieves constipation, particularly moving the upper GI tract. It is a key component of
#42 capsules for severe constipation, as seen in patients on opiod narcotic pain-killers. It also rebalances
gut flora (probiotic organisms).
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increases bile flow, detoxifying the liver.
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removes many intestinal worms and parasites.
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reduces inflammatory cytokine growth promoters.
Artemesia annua or sweet wormwood is the source of Artemisinin and Artemether, new ideas in cancer treatment.
Artemesinin:
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Atrtemisinin is a hormone balancer, particularly reducing excess estrogen and prolactin. It is best studied
in breast caner.
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It is activated by iron ions, which cancer cells accumulate. Cancer cells have abnormally high numbers of
surface receptors for tansferrin, to uptake the excessive levels of iron they need to proliferate. Dihydroartemisinin has a peroxide bond activated by iron to generate hydrogen peroxide. This stresses cancer
cells which are always catalase deficient. The high-valent oxo-iron species create a cascade of reactive
oxygen species called endoperoxides, depolarizing the mithochondrial membranes and disrupting the
electron transport chain. Cancer cells are approximately 100 times more susceptible to dying from
artemesinin than healthy cells.
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Induces apoptosis and slows growth in fibrosarcoma.
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Inhibits angiogenesis, disrupting the blood supply to tumors.
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Targets translationally-controlled tumor protein TCTP.
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Inhibits cysteine protease enzyme, and also a SERCA-type calcium transporter enzyme.
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It has very short period of action, clearing the bloodstream in about 2 hours.
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Common doses run between 1 to 2 mg. per kilogram body weight. ie 160 lb = 72.7 kg = 73 to 146 mg
daily . 3 -4 mg/kg can be used for a week in severe cases, but beware of heart and nerve toxicity.
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There is evidence showing that the liver rapidly increases its ability to get rid of the drug, so that after a
week it is difficult to achieve therapeutic blood levels. Also, the iron levels are largely depleted in the
cancer cells after a week. Dr. Yarnell suggests dosing it at 300 mg 3 times daily for one week, then
take a week break from the drug. I will sometimes reduce this to 100 to 300 mg 1 to 2 times daily.
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Intermittent dosing also allows the cancer cells to recharge with iron, which the artemesinin will then
burn up into deadly peroxides. The standard dose had been 100 to 200 mg daily for 1 to 2 months, then
take a break for the liver and blood cells to recover. This has been harsh for some people, so the weekon week-off regime is much preferred.
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I advise taking iron citrate 30 mg 2 to 3 times daily at meals during the week off the artemesinin, to
replenish liver stores, bone marrow stores, and to rebuild the red blood cell levels back to normal. Red
meat can also be taken during the week off therapy, but it is best to avoid iron supplements and red meat
during the weeks you are on the artemesisin. Poultry and fish are fine anytime.
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Take morning and/or evening on an empty stomach, 3 to 4 hours away from food as it interacts with
dietary iron.
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Artemesinin is not water soluble, so always give with some oil such as omega 3 fish or seal oil
supplement or full-fat dairy for optimum absorption.
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Synergistic with intravenous vitamin C, amplifying the peroxide stress.
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It may synergize with butyrate, which is produced by gut bacteria acting on fiber such as psyllium husks.
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As lactoferrin sequesters iron away from tumor cells, this may also prove to be a useful support.
Contraindications:
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Sedentary lifestyle – works best in those more physically active
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Smokers – must be off tobacco at least 6 months
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Radiation therapy or surgery – wait until 2 months after – radiosensitizer and antiangiogenic.
Toxicity:
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Mild and transient symptoms can occur, but tend to clear with continued use: cold extremities,
numbness, tinnitus, dizziness, headache, GI discomfort, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. If
these are severe or persistent, lower the daily dose.
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Increased liver enzymes AST and/or ALT, a sign of mild liver damage.
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Anemia due to loss of iron. Monitor hemoglobin levels and RDWs, immature replacement red blood
cells
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Other forms of artemesia under investigation for use in cancer:
Artemether: 1 mg /kg BW for 8 weeks. Usual adult dose is 40 mg twice daily, but it can all be taken in one
dose. This is the more toxic form, and the limiting factor in using combination products. Take well away from
food, with whole milk, ice cream, etc. After 8 weeks if responding, continue using it but every second day only,
for another 3 to 4 months. Periodic use for up to 2 years can be considered, 5 days on and 5 days off.
Synergize with 250 mg vitamin C and 200 IU vitamin E at breakfast and lunch.
Artemix: Combines artemether, artemesinin and artesunate. Usual dose is 1 capsule twice daily, as for
artemether. Said to be easier on the liver than plain arthemeter.